It doesn’t get much better than summer in Queensland’s cool capital.
A good portion of Brisbane’s winter months could pass off as summer in much of the world, so it stands to reason that when summer does roll around, the River City is already in solid form.
The city’s proximity to premium beach destinations is undoubtedly a drawcard, but increasingly, Brisbane is demanding visitors stay put thanks to its treasure-filled al fresco lifestyle.
Taste a Brisbane summer at these restaurants and bars…
Choose your poison: riverside or rooftop? Brisbane’s most coveted venues cluster in these hotspots and they are at their glistening best under the summer sun. On the river, Howard Smith Wharves is a bustling one-stop shop.
Riverside Felons Brewing Co. is perched under the story bridge at Howard Smith Wharves. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jesse Lindemann)
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Hit snooze at these Brisbane stays…
If your algorithm is anything like mine, Instagram has already told you exactly where to lay your head, and your towel, during a Brisbane summer.
The stylish hotel is nestled in Fortitude Valley.
The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley is a must-visit urban retreat, giving a brand of glam that rises faster than the temperature come summertime.
The Calile is Instagram-famous.
Brisbane’s summer to-do list…
You’re sweating anyway. Why not work it up in the traditional way? Riverlife Adventure Centre at Kangaroo Point can fix you up with kayaks, bikes and even rollerskates (BYO Barbie lycra), while abseiling and rock climbing are also available.
Hire kayaks from Riverlife Adventure Centre.
Meanwhile, the Mt Coot-tha Summit Track is an easy-to-access hike complete with sweeping views of the city and beyond from the lookout.
Our hot tip: Sunny weather, sunny disposition. Brisbane has the polished offerings you want from a world-class city – see above for a non-exhaustive shortlist – but has thankfully retained the easygoing temperament for which Queenslanders are traditionally famed.
Laze by Hotel X’s sun-soaked rooftop.
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Kate Symons is a freelance writer with a particular passion for uncovering the people that make the place. On assignments near and far, she observes and absorbs, waiting for that satisfying moment when the story lede - the tale that is sure to entice - presents itself.
Noosa’s magic extends beyond the sun and sand. Uncover this popular region’s natural charms and secret spots to get more from your visit.
Wander through bushland and paperbark forests, linger on a curve of quiet beach, hit the water or hike up a mountain. Whether you’re seeking long languid lunches, savouring the region’s best food and wine, are ready to rejuvenate or are up for an active adventure, there are Noosa experiences for everyone.
Winter is the perfect time to visit – it’s still warm enough to bask in Queensland’s sunshine and mild temperatures while discovering the natural beauty and sustainable experiences that make this region so popular. It’s easy to see why Australian Traveller readers voted Noosa Australia’s top town to visit.
1. Explore the hinterland
Kayak through Noosa’s peaceful hinterland.
Choose your Noosa experience – kayaking, abseiling, rock climbing, camping or hiking – with Noosa-based Adventure Tribe. They host guided experiences throughout the region, including in Rainbow Beach, Cooloola and the stunning Noosa Everglades.
Small group tours with Joel’s Journeys combine hinterland villages with wine and cheese or chocolate tasting, a gourmet lunch, waterfalls, the Everglades and memorable views.
Plan ahead for the Great Noosa Trail Walk. This 56-kilometre three-day trek into the Noosa Biosphere will help you reconnect with nature over the October long weekend.
2. Accommodation to suit all budgets
Book into Elysium Noosa Resort. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Indulge in luxury at one of Noosa’s premium resorts or bring the family for a laidback beach-focused holiday. Anywhere you choose will mean you’re never far from the vacation vibes of Hastings Street.
The recently rebranded Elysium Noosa Resort has given new life to one of the most central spots in Noosa Heads, while Number One in Hastings Street offers a range of luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and exclusive penthouse suites, surrounded by the national park and boutique shopping.
Families will love the space and pools of Mantra French Quarter Noosa. Over at RACV Noosa Resort, a water park and games room compete with the beach for the kids’ attention while adults indulge in the day spa or hit the tennis court or gym.
For couples, Noosa Blue Resort’s studios and one-bedroom suites have sweeping river, bay and hinterland views from its perch atop Noosa Hill. With two outdoor heated pools, spa, steam room, yoga studio and more, it’s the complete package.
Travelling on a budget? Halse Lodge offers heritage-listed colonial-style accommodation for backpackers and budget travellers without sacrificing style or comfort, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Family-friendly Ivory Palms has three pools, a children’s playground, jumping pillow, tennis courts and more.
3. Reset and rejuvenate
Unwind with spa treatments at Sensaura Day Spa.
Banish stress, slow down and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Noosa while indulging in pampering treatments. Reset and recalibrate with packages from one of the many day spas – try Sensaura Day Spa Noosa or Noosa Springs Spa.
Noosa Bespoke offers three thoughtfully designed packages that focus on wellness, active adventures and fresh local produce, all with a focus on sustainability, allowing guests to choose their own way of discovering Noosa.
For something different, try forest bathing and take a walk in Noosa National Park.
4. New dining experiences
Enjoy authentic Italian at Cibaria Noosa. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Stroll Hastings Street to find your own dining vibe. For authentic Italian, head to Cibaria Noosa for everything from a coffee and pastry to amazing pasta and seafood platters.
Over in Noosa Junction, try something lighter at Atelier Wine Bar. Taste a selection of bar food and platters including charcuterie, cheeses, oysters and more. Then finish off with ‘dessert in a glass’.
Order out or dine in at Somedays Pizza, where all the ingredients for the organic, wood-fired pizzas are sourced from local farmers, artisans and winemakers.
5. Where the locals eat
Enjoy waterfront views at Rickys. (Credit: Manuel Freudenmann)
Perennial favourites Bistro C, Season Restaurant Noosa and Sails are absolute beachfront dining options overlooking Laguna Bay. You can almost feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy some of the finest cuisine on offer.
Locale Noosa’s seasonal Italian menu features handmade pasta, traditional antipasti and delectable desserts. On the riverfront, Rickys River Bar and Restaurant has been luring the locals for years; come for the elegant setting and fabulous food and wine, and stay for the sunsets.
6. Spot humpback whales
Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)
There are plenty of great places to watch the gentle giants of the sea make their annual migration from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Queensland coast between May and October.
To see whales at play and teaching their calves to breach and tail slap, head to Hell’s Gates or Dolphin Point in Noosa National Park, or to one of the many vantage points along the coast from Sunshine Beach to Peregian Beach. For closer encounters, book a whale-watching boat tour.
7. Take a country drive
Sample craft spirits at local distilleries.
Download the Noosa Country Drive map from the Visit Noosa website, or pop into the visitor information centre for a printed copy, then jump in the car to explore craft breweries, gin distilleries, bookshops, country pubs, scenic lookouts and cute cafes.
Through the villages of Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi, Cooran and Kin Kin, look out for local markets and galleries for that special souvenir. Want to stay longer? There are farm stays, boutique B&Bs and glamping tents to rest your head. Take time to go horse riding or mountain biking, ride a steam train or explore a small museum. And don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce from a roadside stall.
8. Explore the eastern beaches
Visit Sunshine Beach, just minutes from Noosa. (Credit: Amy Higg Photo)
Noosa’s near neighbour beaches, Peregian and Sunshine, are just a short drive south. Peregian Square has boutique shopping, vintage finds, homewares, day spas and antiques, and weekend markets are held twice a month in the beachside park.
Drop into the Peregian Beach Hotel for a meal and live music, or head to the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club for views of the patrolled beach. Grab a coffee or juice at plastic-free Sunshine Social and linger on the deck under the pandanus trees.
9. Discover the Noosa River
Discover Noosa from the water on a scenic boat trip.
Taking time out on the Noosa River is a serene way of exploring more of this region. Whether by canoe or kayak, a small boat or scenic boat trip, being on the water gives a new perspective on Noosa.
Head to Terrace Marina for small boats and great coffee, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis to explore independently, or join Noosa River Cruise Co for a romantic gondola ride.
At sunset, board the Noosa Queen to cruise along the river – cool drink in hand – to the shores of Lake Cooroibah.
